Don Miller

For God so loved the world that He gave to us a man named Don E. Miller, beloved husband and devoted father. Don, age 84, departed this life on Wednesday, August 27, 2008 at home in the loving arms of his wife, Jeanne. The cause of death was heart failure. Mr. Miller was born on a farm near Republican City, Harlan County, Nebraska. His parents were Byron J. Miller and Mayme Mae Miller. He grew up on the farm with his brother Lyle and his sister Mildred. He graduated from high school in Alma, Nebraska. Don married Jeanne Callaway in 1982. He is survived by his devoted wife Jeanne, his 3 children David Miller & wife Debra of Anchorage, AK; Marcia Oliphant & husband Norman of Windsor, CO, and Denise Schield of Ft. Collins, CO; 3 stepchildren Mike Callaway of Fairbanks, AK; Kathe Cockson & husband John of Black Forest, CO and Kristin Burkett & husband Kevin of Littleton, CO; 13 grandchildren; brother Lyle Miller & wife June of Corvallis, Oregon, Sheri Rogers, Matt and Kayla Miller of Boise, Idaho, nieces & nephews & cousins. Don is also survived by his beloved Australian Shepherd dog, Beau. Don was previously married to LaVerne Aldinger and Erma Christensen, both deceased. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Mildred and his youngest son Dennis Miller. Don was a Vice President at United Bank of Ft. Collins and manager of the Dealer Loan Division. United Bank later became Norwest Bank, from which he retired. The bank is now Wells Fargo Bank. Many life-long friendships were established during these years. Prior to joining the United Bank, Don owned & operated GÇ£Miller Motor MartGÇ¥, a used car and new Starcraft Camper dealership in Fort Collins for many years. Don had a deep love for horses. He raised, trained, showed and sold horses throughout his life. He was a well known & beloved horseman in this area. Don was a member of International Arabian Horse Assn; Colorado Arabian Horse Registry; Missouri Fox Trotters Assn; and Northern Colorado HorsemanGÇÖs Assn. One of his favorite pastimes was horseback riding in the mountains with his wife, Jeanne. He collected antique tools, saddles, and horse drawn equipment. He bought antique tractors, fully restored them and exhibited them at area shows. Don loved to attend farm & ranch auctions. Don had great faith in AmericaGÇÖs youth. He was active in 4H for over 30 years. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Larimer County 4H Foundation for 17 years. Don Miller was a man who left this world with a legacy of love and laughter. His sense of humor endeared him to all. He enjoyed life and spread laughter and joy wherever he went. Those who knew him loved him. He had faith in the basic goodness of man. He never knew a stranger, only a friend he had not yet met. He will be remembered as the consummate nurturer, protector, defender and friend. His capacity for love was beyond measure. He touched so many lives in wondrous ways. Don will be deeply missed and held forever in the hearts of those who knew him and loved him. GÇ£To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a better place whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.GÇ¥ by Ralph Waldo Emerson The family would like to express their deep appreciation & heartfelt thanks to Dr. Gary Luckasen and his entire staff at The Heart Center of the Rockies for their many years of compassionate and loving care of Don. A Celebration of DonGÇÖs Life will be held at Bohlender Funeral Chapel on Tuesday, September 2, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. The Reverend Bob Gellar will officiate. Cremation has occurred. A private family gathering for interment of ashes will be at Grandview Cemetery in Ft Collins, CO at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Don Miller Memorial Fund for the benefit of the Colorado 4H Foundation, Inc., in care of Bohlender Funeral Chapel, 121 W. Olive St., Fort Collins, CO 80524. Friends may send condolences to the family at bohlenderfuneralchapel.com. An open house to honor Don will be held from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the family farm following the service.